Related Experiment Video

Updated: Oct 3, 2026

Optical Sectioning and Visualization of the Intervertebral Disc from Embryonic Development to Degeneration
06:22

Optical Sectioning and Visualization of the Intervertebral Disc from Embryonic Development to Degeneration

Published on: July 8, 2021

Natural history of paediatric intervertebral disc calcification

A E Bagatur1, G Zorer, T Centel

  • 1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology, SSK Istanbul Training Hospital, Turkey. bagatur@ixir.com

Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery
|January 5, 2002
PubMed

Insights

Intervertebral disc calcification and herniation in a child resolved spontaneously with conservative care. This benign condition typically self-limits, rarely needing surgery, with complete resolution observed.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Orthopedics
  • Radiology
  • Spinal Disorders

Background:

  • Intervertebral disc calcification (IDC) and herniation of nucleus pulposus (HNP) are uncommon in pediatric populations.
  • Etiology of IDC and HNP in children remains largely uncertain.
  • Conservative management is often the initial approach for pediatric spinal conditions.

Observation:

  • A 5-year-old boy presented with symptoms attributed to IDC affecting two disc spaces and HNP in one.
  • Clinical presentation included symptoms that resolved within one week.
  • Conservative measures were implemented for symptom management.

Findings:

  • Complete resolution of symptoms was achieved within a week.
  • At a 4-year follow-up, the patient was asymptomatic with full health.
  • Radiographic evidence showed complete resolution of HNP and disappearance of calcification in one disc space.

Implications:

  • Pediatric IDC and HNP appear to have a benign and self-limiting natural history.
  • Surgical intervention is seldom required for these conditions.
  • Complete resorption of calcification and HNP is a common outcome, supporting conservative management strategies.

More Related Videos

Ovine Lumbar Intervertebral Disc Degeneration Model Utilizing a Lateral Retroperitoneal Drill Bit Injury07:25

Ovine Lumbar Intervertebral Disc Degeneration Model Utilizing a Lateral Retroperitoneal Drill Bit Injury

Published on: May 25, 2017

A Proinflammatory, Degenerative Organ Culture Model to Simulate Early-Stage Intervertebral Disc Disease.05:46

A Proinflammatory, Degenerative Organ Culture Model to Simulate Early-Stage Intervertebral Disc Disease.

Published on: February 14, 2021

Related Concept Videos

Degenerative Disc Disease I: Introduction01:27

Degenerative Disc Disease I: Introduction

Degenerative disc disease is a chronic condition in which intervertebral discs gradually lose structure and function. It is not infectious or autoimmune; rather, it results from age-related biochemical and mechanical changes, influenced by genetic, metabolic, and environmental factors.Structure and Function of DiscsThe spine contains 23 intervertebral discs that absorb load, distribute forces, maintain spacing, and allow flexibility. Each disc consists of a nucleus pulposus, a gel-like core...
Degenerative Disc Disease ll: Pathophysiology01:23

Degenerative Disc Disease ll: Pathophysiology

The symptoms of degenerative disc disease arise from a combination of mechanical compression, vascular compromise, and biochemical inflammation, which together disrupt nerve function and produce pain.Mechanical CompressionDisc degeneration reduces height and elasticity, predisposing to herniation of the nucleus pulposus, a major cause of radicular pain. Herniations may be protrusion (bulging with intact annulus), extrusion (nucleus extends beyond disc but remains connected), or sequestration...
Herniated Intervertebral Disc l: Introduction01:29

Herniated Intervertebral Disc l: Introduction

Intervertebral disc herniation refers to the displacement of the nucleus pulposus (the gel-like inner core of the disc) through a tear or weakened area in the annulus fibrosus (the outer fibrous ring). The displaced disc material extends beyond the normal boundaries of the disc space and may compress or irritate nearby spinal nerve roots or, less commonly, the spinal cord.Etiology and Risk FactorsHerniation commonly results from degeneration, in which aging reduces disc hydration and...
Structural Joints: Cartilaginous Joints01:17

Structural Joints: Cartilaginous Joints

As the name indicates, at a cartilaginous joint, the adjacent bones are united by cartilage, a tough but flexible type of connective tissue. Unlike synovial joints, these types of joints lack a joint cavity and involve bones joined together by either hyaline cartilage or fibrocartilage.
There are two types of cartilaginous joints:
Synchondrosis
A synchondrosis ("joined by cartilage") is a cartilaginous joint where bones are connected by hyaline cartilage. Synchondrosis may be temporary or...
Changes in the Appendicular Skeleton with Age01:09

Changes in the Appendicular Skeleton with Age

The upper and lower limb initially develops as a small bulge called a limb bud, which appears on the lateral side of the early embryo. The upper limb bud appears near the end of the fourth week of development, with the lower limb bud appearing shortly after.
Initially, the limb buds consist of a core of mesenchyme covered by a layer of ectoderm. The ectoderm at the end of the limb bud thickens to form a narrow crest called the apical ectodermal ridge. This ridge stimulates the underlying...
Vertebral Column: Regions and Curvature01:16

Vertebral Column: Regions and Curvature

The vertebral column or spine is a flexible column that supports the head, neck, and body and  allows for their movements. It also protects the spinal cord.
Regions of the Vertebral Column
In an adult, the spine is subdivided into five regions: the cervical, the thoracic, the lumbar, the sacral, and the coccygeal region. The spine initially develops as a series of 33 vertebrae; after 20 years of age, the nine bones in the sacral region, five sacral, and four coccygeal bones fuse to form the...